Timber iQ February - March 2019 // Issue: 42 | Page 5

WOOD FOR THOUGHT
What will be next?
O
n 3 January 2019, China's Chang'e-4 mission
landed on the far side of the moon to analyse its
topography, but what was also a part of the
mission was a sealed container holding cotton seeds,
potato seeds, rockcress seeds, yeast and fruit fly eggs.
The plan was to form an artificial, self-sustaining
system to test conditions to be able to grow plant life in
a controlled environment. The cotton seeds germinated
and caused major excitement around the world, however
they died within 24 hours due to drastic temperature
fluctuations.
Now although partly a failure, I’m quite sure these
tests will continue and produce a highly successful result
eventually. For me it’s really about the reality of where
we as humans find ourselves at this time. With a few
tweaks to rectify what went wrong, it’s just a matter of
time before we see extra-terrestrial plant life that we
have enabled – after all, we have all the technology we
need to do so. We may even produce plantations on
other planets…
With such advances in our technology, the vast
developments and testing programmes underway in the
timber industry, and the boom of the fourth industrial
revolution (4IR) everywhere we look, we can assume the
next step for industry is along the lines of automation
Technology, robotics,
climate change...and
sprouts on the moon.
and robotics, not only because of efficiency but also to
cater to the safety of people involved. Also, as timber
construction becomes more and more popular due to its
sustainability (as we deplete our other natural resources)
demand will spike and intervention will be required.
One thing that will however never disappear for us as
humans is the beauty of wood, the experience it gives us
and the emotions it creates. Every time we touch it, work
with it and smell it, it leaves an impression on us, a sense
of appreciation that is difficult to explain. So, as we
continue to interact as an industry, develop together and
experience all of the new things to come, we have the
common denominator…our interest in timber design
and construction.
I encourage all our readers to engage with us – share
your news, comments, opinions, complaints or
compliments. We welcome all your feedback as we aim to
partner in making the industry successful.
Apple’s co-founder and business guru, Steve Jobs, once
said, “Great things are not done by one person, they are
done by a team of people.” We are your team players.
Look out for us at the Wood Conference 2019. We look
forward to chatting with you.
Benjamin Brits